Marseille, France's main port city, is rich in history which can be traced back to the year 600 BC. The beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a focal point of Marseille and with its stunning hilltop location is the ideal place to look down over all of Marseille and beyond. The city is a blend of style and history, with shopping areas and modern architecture contrasted with historic sites in the old town and port. A trip by boat will bring you to the Château d'If, an impressive fortress on an island boasting turquoise waters, pristine beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs.

Funchal is the capital of the island of Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic, known for its many exotic flowers. The origin of the name comes from the discovery by the Portuguese. When they arrived there, the islanders grew a lot of fennel. The city can look back on a nearly 600-year history. Explore the Levada, artificial watercourses, which pump rain water from the north and the center of Madeira to the farms in the south.

Bridgetown is the island's largest city and is a vibrant and historic cultural gem. The city was founded by the British, meaning there is a terrific mix of old and new on the island with historic British colonial buildings alongside modern structures such as shopping centres and financial institutions. Always a lively city, there is a large amount of shopping, dining and cultural experiences to discover. Street vendors provide colour and character to the streets and the local bars and restaurants are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Caribbean culture.

The capital of Bonaire, Kralendijk, has about 13,000 residents and offers visitors beautiful beaches and azure sea. The scenic surroundings of the place is worth seeing.

The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans together. Since the canals opening in 1914, this channel has become one of the most important waterways in the world, earning itself the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Over 815,000 ships have traveled this canal in the last 100 years. Not only does the Panama Canal allow for passage between two of most immense oceans but it also provides great access to some of the most culture rich and vibrant destinations in Panama.

Puerto Caldera is a small port town in Costa Rica. The town lies on the Gulf of Nicoya and is surrounded by beautiful conservation areas featuring wonderful beaches and coves. Casa de la Cultura, the town's cultural centre, boasts a theatre and art gallery. Parque Marino del Pacifico, on the main boulevard Paseo de los Turistas, offers visitors an aquarium and rescue centre for seahorses, turtles and crocodiles.

Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's largest port on the Pacific Ocean. The southern part of Puerto Quetzal is particularly important for both freight and passenger transport. Craft and souvenir markets are situated right at the port. In the immediate vicinity, cruise passengers may also enjoy relaxing bars, a restaurant and performances from Marimba bands. Those who chose to take an inland tour may visit the city of La Antigua.

Cabo San Lucas is located at the southernmost tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. The resort city, a popular holiday home for the rich and famous, is also well-loved among tourists for its pristine beaches, range of water activities and thrilling nightlife. The Arch is a distinct rock formation in the region and is only accessible at low tide as the vast sandy beaches are submerged when the water is high.

The city of San Diego is located in the state of California, along the Pacific coast and embodies an urban lifestyle, with many popular surfing beaches. Tourist attractions include San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park. Balboa Park with spacious green areas and a handful of museums is a great place to get to know the city. The beautiful beaches of La Jolla are perfect for unwinding and enjoying the San Diego sunshine, while the Gaslamp Quarter offers the perfect opportunity to try out some of the many restaurants and nightclubs the city has to offer.

San Francisco is an American city located along the coast of Northern California. San Francisco offers a hilly landscape, complete with cable cars which connect some of the hills and offer panoramic views during the crossing. Many of the buildings in San Francisco are known for their Victorian-style of architecture, while the stand-out landmark for many is the impressive Golden Gate bridge. which is open to pedestrians between 5 am and 6 pm. Visit Wave Organ for views of the notorious Alcatraz Island and listen out as the sea 'plays' the organs every time the waves come crashing in.

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is often the first stop for tourists. The Wakiki beach is the centre of activity in Honolulu, with an impressive crescent shaped beach front and a large amount of hotels close by. Known for surfing, Honolulu is ideal for anyone with an interest in watersports, from canoeing and kayaking to snorkeling and swimming. Honolulu is also known as a hotspot for arts, culture and nightlife. With a large number of clubs, restaurants and bars in Wakiki and Chinatown you are sure to find the ideal place for you.

Apia is the capital and commerical centre of Samoa, located on the island of Upolu. Apia is the perfect location to discover the culture of the South Pacific, with a mix of colonial buildings and traditional Samoan houses situated alongside beautiful reef-bordered beaches. Apia is a town with a wealth of culture waiting to be discovered, from the Samoa Cultural Village to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The natural beauty on the island is everywhere, from beaches like Lefaga, to majestic waterfalls like Papapapaitai Falls, tropical raiforests.

Suva is the capital city of Fiji and is the perfect combination of modern city living, along with the quaintness and natural beauty of the South Pacific. Suva boasts diverse cultural activities, colonial era buildings and a vibrant nightlife. The natural beauty of Suva is evident in parks like Colo-I-Suva, where vistors will find a vast National Park with waterfalls, clear rivers and stunning landscapes. Orchid Island is also a great way to find out more about the Polynesian way of life. The city's blend of modern city living in a lush green enviornment is an ideal way to experience the South Pacific.

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is situated on the North Island of the country. The skyline is iconic due to the highest tower in the southern hemisphere, the Sky Tower, rising proudly from the City of Sails about 328 m high. The city offers plenty of ways for adventure seekers to get their fix with activities like kayaking, sailing and bungee jumping available. The beautiful surrounding areas and islands are the perfect example of stunning New Zealand and the amazing natural landscape of the country.

Wellington, nicknamed "Windy Wellington", is the capital city of New Zealand. Boasting a compact and charming downtown which is diverse in it's architectural styles and also ideal to explore on foot. From Mount Victoria, rising above the city, catch glimpses of ships sail through the harbour and see the city light up as the sun goes down. The city is well known for having a "cafe culture", being home to countless intimate restaurants and coffeehouses.

Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales and is the largest city in Australia. The city is one of the most important tourism destinations in Australia, with iconic sights such as Sydney harbour and Opera House. Sydney is also home to the world-famous Bondi beach. Sydney also has an extensive arts and cultural scene with numerous galleries such as the Art Gallery of NSW offering impressive artistic displays. Sydney also has an extensive public transport system, ensuring that accessibilty will not be an issue for visitors to the city.

Cairns is located in the north of Queensland, Australia. The city is known particularly for being in close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the longest coral reef in the world, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Daintree tropical forest which is the oldest of it's kind in the world is also only a short distance away. The city itself boasts a laid-back lifestyle with a buzzing social scene evident through the presence of numerous cafés, clubs and restaurants. There are also a number of fantastic tourism resorts, adding to the reputation of Cairns as an Australian tourism hotspot.

The Philippine capital city of Manila, showcases the multi-faceted which exists in Asia today. The city skyline is lined with towering skyscrapers while the outer parts of the city are more reflective of the traditional styles of buildings. Manila is home to one of the world's oldest Chinatowns. The Rizal Park which sprawls a large area and contains many monuments of significance such as the Rizal Monument. The impressive oceanarium at Manila 'Ocean Park' offers vistors the chance to witness the vast array of sea life which can be found in Manila's waters.

Ishigaki, the southernmost city in Japan, is in the Okinawa Prefecture and has a population of around 45,000. Gongen Do, a 250 year old shrine, is worth a visit, along with the neighbouring Buddhist temple.

Tokyo is one of the most famous of Asia’s metropolises and deservedly so. With a mixture of both ancient traditions and modern architecture, the city makes for an unforgettable experience and is a must see for any kind of traveller. With so much going on it’s hard to pick what to do but you should definitely pay a visit to the Tsukiji outdoor market. Here you’ll find an unparalleled selection of the freshest seafood. Another highlight for many cruise passengers is the Imperial Palace. There are several guided tours in English making for a great shore excursion.

South Korea's second largest city, is a modern port town with skyscrapers and beaches, while the city is also surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Seoul may be the capital but Busan is an energetic city with a soul of its own. Fresh seafood is a city staple as there are sprawling markets offering locals the freshest variety of produce. The city also has numerous trendy nightclubs for partying after a day spent exploring or laying on Haeundae Beach, while October welcomes the Busan International Film Festival.

Shanghai, the most populated city in China, is a renowned international metropolis drawing in visitors from all over the world. Due to Shanghai's colonial history, the city is a unique fusion of East and West. Enjoy the stunning skyline views on an evening cruise, or perhaps take a leisurely stroll down the Bund promenade and watch the ships sail by. Shoppers are sure to be impressed by the variety of pop-up boutiques, contemporary designer-outlets and trendy vintage stores! From chilled-out jazz venues to lively night clubs, Shanghai's nightlife options are endless.

Shenzhen is a big city in the Guangdong Province of China. It is a major financial centre of Southern China. Shenzhen is famous for being home to a number of excellent theme parks which entertain while teaching visitors about China and the world.

Da Nang is one of the largest cities in Vietnam and is located on the coast of the South China Sea. The city boasts an interesting mix of century old pagodas, French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. There are many things to see whilst in Da Nang but amongst the most popular is the Phap Lam Pagoda located right in the city centre. This Buddhist temple is surrounded by well-kept gardens, Buddhist sculptures, and a serene atmosphere. Whilst in port you should also spend some time on My Khe beach - the area is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Da Nang.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, is bustling and diverse with a variety of attractions, including the world famous Petronas Twin Towers. It was only in 1957 that Malaysia's first prime minister declared independence in Kuala Lumpur, and British colonial-era landmarks are still dotted around the city. The Petaling Street flea market is an authentic taste of Kuala Lumpur while the Batu Caves is a destination you cannot miss. The thousands of hawker stalls, cafes and restaurants ensure visitors don't leave without a true taste of the best of Malaysian cuisine

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting the island. The city used to be known as 'the garden city of the East' and though unlikely to reclaim this moniker, it is still a compelling place. The colonial architecture of the Fort, the lively markets of Pettah and growing number of stylish galleries and shops make Colombo an excellent start or finish to your Sri Lankan expedition. The ever-growing number of eateries serving anything from Sri Lankan to street food, is another reason travellers are starting to flood to the city.

The emirate of Dubai is home to around 1.8 million inhabitants. The majority of the population lives in the city. Dubai is known for its modern and futuristic projects. From skyscrapers on manmade islands, to amusement parks, there is hardly anything that does not exist in this city. Dubai offers endless beautiful beaches, excellent water sports, desert safaris and an almost immeasurable range of shopping facilities.

The capital of Oman, Muscat is located in the northeast of the country on the Gulf of Oman. Muscat has many beautiful beaches, parks, and a moat, which is located next to the Great Mosque of Sultan Quabus. For a better idea of the local culture and food, go and experience the bustle of the traditional oriental markets. Muscat is a very elegant and uniform city with most of the buildings reflecting tradition - that is a requirement even for the functional new buildings.

Petra, voted as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' is the great Ancient City located in the south of Jordan. It is one of the world's most famous and treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To get to it, your cruise will stop at Aqaba, Jordan's only sea port. Located in the Gulf of Akaba, Aqaba is also very popular with divers for its beautiful coral reefs. The town's relaxed atmosphere and comfortable climate make it perfect for the Jordanians to get away to.

The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, cutting through dunes and deserts of the region. The construction of the canal shortens the journey from the North Atlantic to northern Indian Oceans and vice versa by about 7,000 kilometres. Passage through the canal does not require a locking system as the seawater from both sources sits at about the same level. Cruising through the Suez Canal offers spectacular views around every bend.

Heraklion is the capital of the island of Crete and the 4th largest city in Greece. The Summer Arts Festival runs all summer long and visitors can also enjoy rock cklimbing, waterparks and the city's famous night life.

Civitavecchia is located in the province of Rome and is a gateway to the city. Rome is Italy's largest city, and is bursting with Italian history and culture. The Old Town, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican City are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. In the 'Eternal City' there is so much to discover, such as many theater performances to enjoy and museums with fascinating exhibits. A highlight of Rome is the food available, with the huge number of bars, restaurants and cafes sure to satisfy. Highlights of Civitavecchia Visit the historic Colosseum, Pantheon and Roman Forum Enjoy typical Roman cuisine in an Italian cafe or restaurant See the many beautiful squares and fountains in the city

Marseille, France's main port city, is rich in history which can be traced back to the year 600 BC. The beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a focal point of Marseille and with its stunning hilltop location is the ideal place to look down over all of Marseille and beyond. The city is a blend of style and history, with shopping areas and modern architecture contrasted with historic sites in the old town and port. A trip by boat will bring you to the Château d'If, an impressive fortress on an island boasting turquoise waters, pristine beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs.